Picture: Young people gathered at Thusong Centre in Setlagole village, near Mahikeng for job opportunities/Facebook  

By OBAKENG MAJE

Young people who attended the SA Youth Opportunities Roadshow at Thusong Centre in Setlagole village, near Mahikeng, urged the government to provide them with training and skill development programs. The North West Provincial Government (NWPG) called on job seekers and entrepreneurs to be part of the initiative, where government departments came together and share job opportunities in their sectors respectively.

One of the young people who attended the event, Oratile Kgomoengwe from Lower Majeakgoro village in Taung said, they run the Lower Majeakgoro Youth Cooperative that deals with agriculture and cleaning services. Kgomoengwe further said, young people should visit various government offices to seek help, instead of ‘sitting in the corner’ and ‘whining’.

“As we celebrate Youth Month, my advice to young people is that, please visit your various government offices. There are plenty of opportunities out there. I’ve realised that, many young people are stagnant to visit various government offices to seek opportunities.

“We have started a cooperative back home and visited National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) offices to request funding. We are glad that, everything is promising as we have just met with NYDA officials, and told us that, our funding might come through in the next two weeks,” he said.

An entrepreneur, Otsile Legobate from Wolmaranstad said, he specialises in poultry farming. Legobate, who shared the same sentiments added that, he started his business with only 30 chickens.

“I received assistance from the North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Desbo Mohono. She launched a program a few years ago and I was part of that. So far, I managed to sell eggs and be self-sufficient.

“I am self-employed and my advice to young people is, let’s make sure that, we use our hands to create job opportunities. Many young people do not like to work using their own hands, but they would rather opt for office work. 

“I was impressed to hear the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi saying that, the government has created 2000 opportunities. One of the key challenges facing our young people is that, we do not read,” he said.

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said: “The objective of this initiative was to expose young people to opportunities. The North West Premier, Bushy Maape brought this initiative here because Setlagole village is one of the deep rural areas. Most of young people here, do not get exposure to opportunities because there are issues of connectivity and so on.

“We have Netcare here that is working in partnership with the North West Department of Health. It has declared that, it has job opportunities. So, all young people who qualify to be nurses can apply. We understand that young people are confronted with so many challenges and we hope this initiative achieves its objective.”

Meanwhile, the Director of Employment and Labour in North West, Slindile Nkiwane said they have ten labour centres across the province, where young people could visit and register on their database.

Nkiwane said, furthermore, they have an online service, where unemployed job seekers can register on www.labour.gov.za.

“Some of our labour centres have kiosks, where job seekers can go there and utilise that service. They will be able to see job opportunities that are available on the database,” she said.

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Picture: A local philanthropist, Onthatile Jason celebrates her birthday with disadvantaged individuals/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

A local philanthropist, Onthatile Jason said she will continue to focus on making a strong impact in the community of Manthe village, near Taung. Through Onthatile Foundation, Jason (29) celebrated her birthday with the needy by donating groceries, clothes, and sanitary pads to eighteen families on 26 May 2023.

“I am happy that some families managed to benefit from this initiative. So, I will continue to assist as many people as possible through my strategic philanthropic actions. My team and I, have identified families that are underprivileged and extended our helping hand.

“The reason why I am doing this is because, one day, I took a walk through our village and noticed that, there are many people who need help either food parcels, clothes and etc. Mostly, people from Lebonkeng and Moseja sections do not benefit from donations that are brought into our village due to the distance,” she said.

Jason further said, most of these donations were taken to the Baga-Maidi Tribal Authority office as a central destination, which is a little bit far from those sections. A qualified nail technician added that she aims to see growth within her village, especially among the youth.

“Most young people continue to indulge in alcohol and drug abuse, which destroys their lives. I urge everyone to be involved and not leave anyone behind. So, it will be imperative for us to support the cause in the best way we can.

“It may be a matter of donation or doing anything that might have a positive impact in changing the lives of those around you. We need to work together as a society and I am grateful that, the VW crew came through,” said Jason.

She said sometimes it helps to establish a culture of giving and this will not only benefit the current generation but the future ones too. Jason said she will be grateful to see a local library being built in her village as education plays a pivotal role in creating a better society.

Meanwhile, South Africa is celebrating Youth Month and in a statement, the South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa said, 2023 marks the 47^th anniversary of the June 16 Soweto and other related uprisings. Ramaphosa said the Soweto uprising ended tragically with hundreds of young people brutally killed.

“This tragedy became a rallying point that inspired a nation and a people to rise up against the brutal apartheid system. Following the advent of democracy in 1994, the new democratic government declared 16 June as National Youth Day and June as Youth Month.

“This year, the National Youth Day and Youth Month will be celebrated under the theme: “Accelerating youth economic emancipation for a sustainable future”. In helping draw more young people into the economy, the government has under the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention initiated various youth development and empowerment initiatives to support young people,” he said.

Ramaphosa said it ranges from formal education and training, learnerships and internships as well as support for youth entrepreneurship. He said, their initiatives provide the necessary support for young people to take on their challenges and win.

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Picture: The Learner, Lethabo Sibinda who was allegedly stabbed to death/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

A 19-YEAR-OLD learner is expected to appear at the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court for murder and attempted murder. This comes after the suspect allegedly stabbed and killed a Grade 11 learner from Hoër Tegniese Skool in Rustenburg. 

It is alleged that on Friday, at around 15:45, police received a complaint about the stabbing incident. Upon arrival at the scene, the police found members of the community gathered around the motionless body of Lethabo Sibanda (18), covered with a blanket.

The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said: “The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was stabbed with a sharp object on his throat. According to bystanders, the victim was a learner from a High School in Rustenburg and he allegedly fought with another pupil from the other school, who in turn, recruited a group of other learners to attack the victim’s group.

“The two groups allegedly gathered at the Bus Rank leading to a fight and eventually the stabbing of the victim. He was later certified dead at the scene and another learner, who was also stabbed was transported to a local hospital by the Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS).” 

Tselanyane further said, the suspect fled the scene after the incident but was later traced and arrested. He added that the suspect is expected to appear before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 5 June 2023 facing charges of murder and attempted murder.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena applauded the police in Rustenburg for their swift reaction that resulted in the arrest of a suspect in connection with the murder.

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Picture: Liquor worth R58 000 confiscated/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

More than 300 people were arrested during the intensified crime prevention in the weekend. The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said, the suspects were arrested for crimes ranging from robbery aggravating, murder, rape, attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, possession and dealing in drugs to illegal dealing in liquor.

“With Operation Shanela gaining momentum to squeeze the space for criminals, police in the province arrested 320 suspects throughout the weekend.  In one of the operations in Mmakau on Thursday afternoon, Riaan Spies (32) was apprehended at Skietfontein smallholding in De Wildt near Brits, for possession and dealing in drugs. 

“The accused was arrested during a multi-disciplinary and crime intelligence driven operation after the team executed a search warrant. During the search at the accused’s place, the police discovered drug manufacturing equipment as well as chemicals used to manufacture drugs and approximately 4000 ecstasy tablets, computer equipment and a tablet gadget,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said the Spies briefly appeared at the Brits Magistrate’s Court on Friday. He added Spies was remanded in custody and his case was postponed until 9 June 2023 for formal bail application.

“In Bokamoso Location, near Rustenburg, a multi-disciplinary team comprising Rustenburg Crime Intelligence, Rustenburg K9, Public Order Police (POP) and Detectives dealt decisively with illegal liquor outlets on Friday. They raided and shut down three illegal liquor outlets.

“The police also confiscated liquor worth R58 525 and other shebeen operating equipment,” said Mokgwabone.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded the police for their commitment in striving for safer communities through execution of various crime prevention and combating actions.

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By OBAKENG MAJE  

The ANC disgruntled members across all four regions in the North West, whose names were allegedly unduly removed from the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) selection list, welcomed the National Executive Committee’s move to investigate the matter. The ANC has called all councillors, who were allegedly elected unduly to substantiate their nomination.   

Initially, the disgruntled ANC members called for the reinstatement of 155 councillor candidates, but according to the letter, only 27 disputes will be processed.

The former ANC regional secretary in Dr Kennth Kaunda, Lopang Rothman said: “I have gone through the letter of the Secretary-General Office and this takes me back to what we raised before, which I also raised during the visit by ANC National Working Committee in front of both ANC chairperson, Gwede Mantashe and Senzo Nchunu that, the ANC Provincial Elective Conference was prepared by the Interim Provincial Committee (IPC), who were referees and players.

“The ANC NEC expects the same manipulators of processes of councillors to implement a report that implicates them? The ANC Provincial Executive Committee members are the same individuals, who were IPC members who manipulated the councillors’ processes,” Rothman said.

He further said it is surprising that the same individuals are today expected to attend to the matter and recommend or even charge themselves for such misconduct? Rothman added that he does not hope that this is another delaying tactic by the ANC NEC.

In a letter, the ANC Investigative Team in North West, Dina Pule said: “The scheduled hearing for the hearings with councillors will commence on 12 until 16 June 2023. We have invited implicated councillors for the hearings from 12 – 16 June 2023 at the Rustenburg Civic Centre.

“Those councillors are Anna Bonga from ward 1 in the City of Matlosana (Dr Kenneth Kaunda region) at 12 June 2023, 09h00 – 09h30 2. Mothusi Pelele (Ward 13) 12 June 2023, 09h30 – 10h00 3. Portia Nyaqela (Ward 14) 12 June 2023, 10h00 – 10h30 4. Sisi Muhlanga (Ward 06) 12 June 2023, 10h30 – 11h00 5. Mmokgo Mogatla (Ward 26) 12 June 2023, 11h00 – 11h30 6. Queen Mahumapelo (Ward 23) 12 June 2023, 11h30 – 12h00.”

Pule said the hearing will continue with Victor Foboki (Ward 36) 12 June 2023, at 12h00 – 12h30 Rustenburg Municipality (Bojanala), 8. Mapogo Elek Mosete (Ward 38) 12 June 2023, 12h30 – 13h00 9. Fani Moathe (Ward 10) 12 June 2023, 14h00 – 14h30 10. Alphios Mosito (Ward 39) 12 June 2023, 14h30 – 15h00 11. Obrie Makhuto 12 June 2023, (Ward 22) 15h00 – 15h30 12. Vuyiswa Shomang (Ward 31) 12 June 2023, 15h30 – 16h00 Moses Kotane Municipality (Bojanala) 13. Jeremiah Mogaki (Ward 23) 12 June 2023, 16h00 – 16h30 14. Mamikie Radiokana (Ward 18) 12 June 2023, 16h30 – 17h00 Ditsobotla Municipality (Ngaka Moleme) 15. Boipelo Moroke (Ward 02) 13 June 2023, 09h00 – 09h30 16. Phillip Lotteren (Ward 04) 13 June 2023 09h30 – 10h00 Ratlou Municipality (Ngaka Moleme) 17. Thabang Mothibedi (Ward 04) 13 June 2023 10h00 – 10h30 Mahikeng Municipality (Ngaka Moleme) 18. Thepiso Motshabi (Ward 02) 13 June 2023 10h30 – 11h00 Taung Municipality (DR R.S Mompati) 19. Tumo Tabe (Ward 02) 13 June 2023 11h00 – 11h30 20. Mothusi Mojanaga (Ward 14) 13 June 2023 11h30 – 12h00 21. Lerato Babuseng (Ward 12) 13 June 2023 12h00 – 12h30 22. Gladys Melamu (Ward 18) 13 June 2023 12h30 – 13h00 23. Pico Seepamere (Ward 15) 13 June 2023 14h00 – 14h30 24. Dolly Pusho (Ward 23) 13 June 2023 14h30 – 15h00 Kgetleng River Municipality (Bojanala) 25. Amogelang Selaledi (Ward 06) 13 June 2023 15h00 – 15h30 26. Virginia Molatone (Ward 01) 13 June 2023 15h30 – 16h00 27. Mamiki Molefe (Ward 03) 13 June 2023 16h00 – 16h30.

“Each of these councillors should be instructed to bring along all available evidence and proof of their nomination through voting by the communities during the 2021 Local Government candidate selection process of the ANC. We also request the office of the ANC provincial secretary, Louis Diremelo to make all records pertaining to the nomination of these councillors available for inspection and scrutiny by the investigative team.

“The regional offices and former IRC officials might be of assistance in this regard. All the invited councillors are at liberty to bring witnesses to confirm that they were duly elected by the communities to be councillors in their respective wards,” she said.

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Picture: The Botselo Mills logo/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

The money laundering case against Jan Jacobus Van Niekerk was transferred to the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court by the Delareyville Magistrate’s Court. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Henry Mamothame said, Van Niekerk is facing 337 charges of fraud and 20 of money laundering.

“He, in the company of his attorney, handed himself over to the SAPS’ Provincial Commercial Crimes Unit on 30 May 2023 and was subsequently charged with fraud and money laundering amounting to over R10 million. The police investigations reveal that Van Niekerk was employed by Botselo Mills (Pty) LTD as an accountant and authorised to transact on the company’s accounts.

“It is alleged that, between January 2017 and July 2022, Van Niekerk submitted forms fraudulently requiring approval for payment to be made into the accounts of service providers for a service that was not rendered. It was further discovered that in the forms, he provided the names of the service providers that are in the company database, but fraudulently replaced their banking account numbers into his six personal banking accounts that he holds with two major banks,” Mamothame said.

He further said, the police also discovered that Van Niekerk allegedly had working relationships with some of the companies he submitted for payment. Mamothame added that the investigations into the matter are completed and the state is ready to proceed with a pre-trial conference in the next court sitting.

“The case was postponed to 19 July 2023 and Van Niekerk was granted R12 000 bail. The court ordered him to report to his nearest police station once a week between 6am and 6pm,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari together with the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded the police for the arrest and commended the prosecution team led by the Head of the Specialised Commercial Crimes Unit in the North West, Adv Bongani Chauke and the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection, Major General Dintletse Molefe for a collaboration that led to the arrest and court appearances of the accused.

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Picture: The accused person, Esther Mwanza arrested by the Hawks/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Two women who were brought to South Africa from the Democratic Republic of Congo for alleged human trafficking purposes were rescued by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team from a house in Klerksdorp. It is reported that, on 20 January 2023, two females aged 20 and 31 were found at Esther Mwanza’s home.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Capt Tlangelani Rikhotso said: “The victims are alleged to have been trafficked from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to South Africa, where they allegedly endured labour exploitation. The victims were interviewed and subsequently taken to a place of safety, which was provided by the Department of Social Development.

“Esther Mwanza (41) made a brief appearance at the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 2 June 2023, following her arrest by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Klerksdorp for trafficking in persons. Meanwhile, the case has been postponed to 9 June 2023 for a formal bail application.”

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Picture: A pangolin allegedly found in possession of suspects in Vryburg/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

Four suspects aged between 43 and 59 were arrested in Vryburg on 2 June 2023 for allegedly being in possession of a Pangolin. The suspects were allegedly stopped by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation and members of the SAPS Tactical Response Team along Vryburg Road, while on their way to Mahikeng to meet a buyer of a pangolin.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Capt Tlangelani Rikhotso said, the suspects were selling the pangolin for R60 000. She further said, the search was conducted and a pangolin was allegedly found in a bag in the boot of the vehicle.

“The vehicle was seized for further investigation and the pangolin was handed over to members of Nature Conservation. The suspects will appear at the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on 5 June 2023 for contravention of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004.

“Meanwhile, the case against Teboho Kodwa (28), Deon Mubhada (33) Kabelo Batsi (36), and Lesego Siana (45), who were arrested in possession of two pangolins in Mahikeng, has been adjourned to 6 June 2023,” concluded Rikhotso.

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Picture: Learners celebrating National Child Protection Week/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

In order to ensure that children in the North West are safe, the South Africa Police Service (SAPS) visited various schools across the province in commemoration of the annual National Child Protection Week. The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Amanda Funani said this year’s celebration was between 29 May and 5 June 2023.

Funani further said, the police from different police stations across all four districts, visited schools in their vicinity.

“During their school visits, the police officials educated school children ranging from Grade 4 to Grade 7 about domestic violence, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), bullying, alcohol, and drug abuse. The learners were also taught their rights, and how to respect their teachers and their elders.

“Khulisa Primary School, Gatelapele Secondary, and Maquassi Hills English School were among those schools the police officers visited. The police officers, who visited those schools, also prayed for learners as they were about to start their June exams,” she said.

The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena commended the units such as the Family, Child, Protection and Sexual Offence Unit (FCS), Crime Prevention and Employee at the Health and Wellness (EHW), who visited the schools. Kwena also encouraged learners to stay in school and get involved in sports activities in quest of staying away from drugs and alcohol.

Meanwhile, the People’s Assembly said: “The Child Protection Week is commemorated in the country annually to raise awareness of the rights of children as articulated in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and Children’s Act (Act No. 38 of 2005).

“The campaign is led by the Department of Social Development in partnership with key government departments and civil society organisations rendering child protection services. Child Protection Week in South Africa serves as a platform to raise awareness about the rights, needs, and vulnerabilities of children.”

According to the People’s Assembly website, this is an opportunity to educate individuals, families, communities, and institutions about the crucial role they play in safeguarding children’s well-being.

This year’s theme is: ‘Let us Protect Children during Covid-19 and Beyond’.

The Center for Global Development said, there is a wealth of evidence that shows that social grants for child care are good for their health and welfare. The centre said children who receive social grants saw improved nutrition, more schooling, and less labour-force participation, and were more likely to possess formal identity documents. Below is a list of social grants that the government distributes for child care.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

A man (44) has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the North Gauteng High Court sitting in Pretoria on Thursday for killing his girlfriend. Ishamael Mofolo, who resided at Checkers Section in Maboloka village, near Brits killed his girlfriend, Florence Bong (43) on 4 April 2022.

The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said, Mofolo was called by his brother, who wanted to understand why they (the convict and his girlfriend) failed to arrive at Letlhabile Mall as agreed upon. Tselanyane said, in his response, Mofolo told his brother that he did something terrible and hung up the phone.

“The brother together with his sister went to their parental residence, where the accused was residing. Upon arrival, they knocked at the door, but there was no response. They then forced entry by breaking the door open and eventually found Bongo’s lifeless body inside the house covered with blood. 

“It was established that, Mofolo drank poison in an attempt to commit suicide. The police were called to the crime scene. Mofolo was apprehended and transported to the local hospital, where he was placed under police guard. After appearing in court, he was granted bail, which was withdrawn after being found guilty,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Kwena applauded the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Julius Nkgoeng from Letlhabile Detectives and all other role players including prosecution for their excellent collaboration, which he said, will send a stern warning to those perpetrators, who commit Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F).

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